Yieldable wheel mounting for roller skate



0 4, 1955 w. WARE YIELDABLE WHEEL MOUNTING FOR ROLLER SKATE Filed July 22, 1948 405 INVEN TOR. Zflaen Mk2? United States Patent YIELDABLE WHEEL MOUNTING FOR ROLLER SKATE Walter Ware, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Chicago Roller Skate Company, Chicago, 11]., a corporation of Arizona Application July 22, 1948, Serial No. 40,190

1 Claim. 01. 2s0-11.zs

This invention relates to roller skate structures, and more particularly to the wheel mountings therefor.

In the operation of roller skates, particularly of the type for rink and related uses, it is desirable that a degree of flexibility be provided between the wheel axles and the main skate frame so that, within limits, the wheel axles may shift and twist to facilitate turning of the skate and various other desired characteristics. By this means the main skate frame may be tilted to one side or the other, while retaining the skate wheels firmly upon the floor or other support surface, the resulting twisting of the wheel axles in relation to the skate frame facilitating the turning of the skate as it is longitudinally propelled. Further, the yieldable or flexible mounting between the skate frame and wheel axles permits a degree of resilience as the skate wheels are contacted with the floor or other support surface, which greatly reduces contact shocks, and enhances the feel of the skate.

In constructions of the foregoing type ditficulty is encountered in providing a flexible mounting for the wheel axles, in respect to the skate frame, which will give a desired degree of support, while at the same time permitting the controlled and smooth shifting and twisting of the wheel axle, within limits, as above described.

In accordance with the present invention a yieldable mounting is provided for roller skate wheel axles which will flex to absorb shocks and to permit a desired shifting and twisting of the axle in a controlled manner, without jamming, while at the same time providing a firm wheel axle support.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention, stated generally, to provide an improved wheel axle mounting for roller skates. More specifically stated it is an object of the invention to provide an improved shock absorbing and flexible mounting for roller skate wheel axles which will permit a desired shifting of the wheel axle relative to the skate frame under proper control at all times, without jamming, and while at the same time providing a firm axle support. v

A further object of the invention is to provide a flexible wheel axle mounting for roller skates of the type defined, which gives greater freedom of movement, less binding, a smoother action, and at the same time a rugged and substantial support.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein certain preferred embodiments are set forth for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout:

Fig. l is a partial view of a roller skate incorporating wheel axle mountings constructed in accordance with and embodying the principles of the invention, in accordance with one selected embodiment thereof;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the front wheel axle mounting of the skate structure shown in Fig. l;

Fig. '3 is a front view of the structure of Fig. 2, certain parts being broken away for clarity;

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the various parts comprising the wheel axle mounting;

Fig. 5 is a view illustrating a modified form of wheel axle mounting, constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5,.showing a still further modified form of the invention; and

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of certain of the detail parts forming 'a part of the structure of Fig. 6.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, and first to the structural embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-4, in Fig. 1 a partial skate structure is illustrated comprising a frame plate 10 adapted to be secured to a shoe or the like, to form a shoe skate. The frame plate has front and rear hangers 12 and 14 riveted thereto, the hangers thus forming frame member anchor means for the wheel axle supports comprising the subject matter of the present invention. The front and rear axle supports preferably are similarin character, and accordingly only one thereof need be specifically described.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the front hanger 12 is provided with a depending boss 16 adjacent the rear portion thereof, said boss being internally threaded to receive an action screw 18 in the form of an elongated bolt, as shown. The action screw is locked in adjusted position within the boss by means of a lock nut 20, there being a lock washer 22 of suitable construction interposed between the lock nut and boss so as to firmly retain the action screw in adjusted position.

The action screw 18 forms the support for a collar 24 of compressible material, preferably rubber or the like, the rubber collar preferably being retained between a pair of metal flange washers as indicated at 26 and 28, Figs. 2 and 4. V

The lower or headed end of the action screw 18 forms the supportfor a truck bracket or member 30 which supports the wheel axle, the detail shaping of which is best shown in Fig. 4. It will be seen that the truck or bracket member, which preferably may be formed as a casting of lightweight metal such as aluminum, comprises a collar portion 32 adapted to embrace the action screw, and a pair of oppositely extending axle portions 34 arranged to form the support for the wheel axle 36. The wheel axle, which may be of any suitable construction, is provided with wheels 38 at the opposite ends thereof, in the usual manner. V l I hard metal collar insert 40, preferably of steel, lies within the collar portion 32 of the truck member, the collar insert being provided with a spherical bearing surface 42 shaped to conform to andengage with a spherical surface 44 formed on the enlargedheaded end of the ac tion screw. The insert collar is further provided with a conical surface 46 forming a clearance for the body of the action screw, as shown.

It will be seen that by reason of the described connections, the headed end of the action screw and the collar insert 40 in effect form a universal or ball and socket connection whereby'the collar may tilt universally in reference to the action screw, the conical clearance surface 46 of the collar providing the necessary freedom of movement. Preferably the insert collar 40 fits relatively snugly into the annular collar portion 32 of the truck casting so as to in effect form an integral part thereof. As will be understood, the rubber collar 24 together with the universal connection between the head of the action screw and the axle bracket collar 40 provides a resilient support means for the bracket, the functioning of which will presently be more particularly described.

In the embodiment illustrated, the truck member 30 is provided adjacent its forward portion with a projecting pin or extension 48, this pin being arranged to lie within and form the support for an elongated hard metal sleeve member as shown at 50. The sleeve member Stiis press-fitted onto the truck projection 48 so as to become firmly united'therewith. If desired, and as may be preferred, the sleeve 50 may be formed as an integral part of the truck member, as a projection of the truck member casting. The upper end of the sleeve is arranged to slidably receive the plunger or shank portion 52 of a hard metal ball member 54, the ball portion of which has ball and socket connection with a boss 56 formed at the forward end of the hanger 12. A compression spring 58 lies within the sleeve 50 so as to yieldingly thrust the axle truck and ball member 54 apart. Preferably the boss 56 is headed over sufficiently to retain the ball 54 from removal from the boss so that the spring may be omitted if desired. The sleeve 50 together with the ball 54 and its shank 52 form an auxiliary support and guide strut for the axle bracket 30, as will be understood.

In operation, preferably the action screw 18 is adjusted so as to impart a slight initial compression to the rubber collar 24, so as to hold the parts firmly in position, as shown in Fig. 2. As an upward thrust is imparted to the wheels 38 relative to the skate frame, as the skate structure is used, it will be seen that the rubber collar 24 will yield, causing the collar 40 to move upward axially of the action screw or to swivel relative to the head thereof, so as to accommodate the necessary stresses and movements. It will furthermore be noted that due to the permissible axial motion between the sleeve 50 and the ball stem 52, resisted only by the yielding action of spring 58 where provided, as the action screw 18 is longitudinally initially adjusted, or as the truck is caused to move vertically by weight upon the wheels, the insert collar 40 will be permitted to remain substantially coaxial with the axis of the action screw, or offset therefrom only by a degree in accordance with the co-mating contours of the spherical surfaces 42 and 44; whereby no binding or jamming occurs between the action screw 18 and the bearing collar 40 either as the action screw is initially adjusted or as the wheels 38 are caused to move relative to the skate frame in use. Such action, resulting from the permissible longitudinal motion of the sleeve 50 is to be contrasted with motion such as would occur were axial movement of the sleeve 50 not permitted, and wherein the collar 49 would be required to move arcuately about the ball 54 as a center tending to jam and restrict the movements of the parts. In other words, the axle support bracket 30 is enabled to pivot and also shift axially of the action screw 18 or the resilient support afforded thereby through the collar 24, without a corresponding enforced lateral shifting of the axle bracket as it is moved.

it will thus be seen that the spherical contacting surfaces of the action screw head and the collar 40, combined with the relative axial motion permitted between the parts 50 and 52 to give a free floating, non-jamming motion to the truck 30 as it is caused to shift and twist, whereby a smooth action limited only by the compressibility of the rubber collar 24 is facilitated. The mounting provides a smooth action, with desired flexibility, while at the same time providing a firm support. The cooperable spherical surfaces 42 and 44, both circular in character, furthermore provide a greater smoothness of operation as compared with kingpin and wheel truck interconnections wherein the wheel truck is provided with an elongated or oval opening through which the kingpin extends whereby the freedom of movement laterally and longitudinally are of different degree resulting in nonuniformity in the feel and operation of the skate.

In Fig. an embodiment is illustrated which is functionally similar to the embodiment previously described but structurally specifically different therefrom as to the auxiliary support and guiding strut. In this instance the sleeve member 50 of the previously described structure is replaced by a link member 62 forming one arm of a pair of pivotally connected links, the other arm 64 of which is formed as the stem of the ball member 54a functionally equivalent to member 54 previously described. The link 62 is press-fitted onto the pin projection 48a of the truck member 30a. The pivot connection between the links 62 and 64 is provided by a pin 66, as shown.

The remaining parts of the structure shown in Fig. 5 are the same as in the embodiment previously described, and function in a similar manner.

In the operation of the structure it will be seen that the knee action connection formed by the links 62 and 64 provides a free floating mounting for the truck 30a which permits the collar portion 32a thereof to remain substantially coaxial with the action screw. The relative shifting movements are limited only by the spherically engaged surfaces of the action screw and the pressure collar 40a, as in the embodiment previously described.

In Figs. 6 and 7 a still further embodiment is illustrated, also generally similar to the structures previously described, except for the manner in which the motion of the forward arm of the wheel support truck is effected. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the truck casting 30b is in this instance provided at its forward portion with an integral extending arm 70, forming part of a strut structure, the upper end of the arm being formed with a ball portion 72. This ball portion has ball and socket connection with a socket member 74, the latter being mounted for sliding movement relative to the hanger structure as indicated at 12b. More specifically, the hanger is provided at its forward portion with a slot 76 adapted to have sliding engagement with a rib 78 formed on the socket member, the slot and rib preferably being dovetailed as shown in Fig. 7 whereby to preclude vertical separation of the slide socket 74 relative to the hanger.

It will be seen that by reason of the connections provided, as the axle truck 36b is caused to move, either by the adjustment of the action screw 18b, or by the stresses imparted to the truck member in use, the sliding connection provided between the slide socket 74 and the hanger permits the maintained substantially coaxial positioning of the action screw and bearing collar 40b, whereby to provide a free floating smooth action between the parts, and preclude jamming and shock as in the embodiments previously described.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the specific embodiments set forth without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is accordingly not to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described, but only as indicated in the following claim.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

A support for roller skate wheel axles comprising an axle support bracket having an axle-receiving aperture and an apertured flange projecting to one side thereof, a frame member, an action screw secured to said frame member and extending through the flange aperture and pivotally connected to said flange, a sleeve having its lower end closed by the support bracket and extending upwardly from the support bracket at an angle to the action screw and substantially intersecting the axis of the axle-receiving aperture, a strut plunger mounted for free telescoping reciprocation within the outer end of said sleeve and having a spherical head, said frame member having a substantially spherical recess housing the major portion of said head and securing the same against separation therefrom, and a resilient member entirely housed within said sleeve and peripherally confined thereby with the ends of the resilient member engaged between the inner reciprocable end of said strut plunger and the support bracket closing the lower end of the sleeve for constantly tending to restore the relative telescopic positions of said sleeve and strut plunger and yieldingly resisting inward telescoping movement therebetween, the yielding telescoping connection between the sleeve and strut plunger and the spherical interconnection between the head and frame member operating to maintain the flange aperture and action screw in substantial axial alignment to eliminate binding and jamming be tween the action screw and support bracket during relative shifting of the support bracket and frame member in use.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS King Nov. 12, Ware Feb. 18, Ware Feb. 25, Dekome et a1. Sept. 28, Blaes Apr. 10, Reich Nov. 11, Reich Feb. 8, Wagner Dec. 13, 

